Athlete finds joy in being able to go running

Great Britain mountain running international Andy Douglas is learning to appreciate the simple joy of being able to go running in these troubled times.

The Edinburgh-based Caithness athlete is one of the world’s top mountain runners and is ambitious for more success but, like everyone else right now, is having to readjust his priorities.

Most athletes took running for granted until a few weeks ago when this simple activity became something to be valued more than ever.

Douglas said: “Until last week I had been training as usual as it was about the only piece of normality that remained.

“I usually run twice a day but when the stricter controls came in I reduced that to one in line with the

“It’s good to step back and look at the bigger picture”

advice we have all been given. Everyone has to play their part and if that means reducing training, then that’s what we have to do. There should be no exceptions.

“I’m just taking it easy on my runs and really appreciating being able to get some time in the fresh air. You appreciate it more at times like this.

“It’s good to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.”

“There’s no point in making a knee-jerk reaction by trying to run for longer on each run to compensate for not getting a second training session. That would be pretty difficult if I was running 80-90 miles a week. It would make every run very long.

“So, I’m relaxed about it at the moment. If we went into a total lockdown I’d have to cross that bridge when we reach it. Hopefully it won’t come to that.”